Three Weeks from Sydney

Start your Australian adventure in Sydney, where you can climb the Harbour Bridge and visit the Opera House. Close to Sydney's fringes, explore the World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains or the vine-lined Hunter Valley. Swim with dolphins in Port Stephens or in sparkling Jervis Bay. Fly or drive to Melbourne, the place to soak up culture in the galleries and drink, dine and shop in secret laneways. Drive to Phillip Island, the Mornington Peninsula or along the spectacular Great Ocean Road to Bells Beach and The Twelve Apostles. You could also fly to Australia's Red Centre to discover Uluru, Kata Tjuta, the MacDonnell Ranges, Kings Canyon and the outback town of Alice Springs.

The Journey

Visit Sydney, Melbourne, the Great Ocean Road and Australia’s Red Centre in this action-packed itinerary.

Week One

Sydney and surrounds

Start in the cobblestone streets of The Rocks, the harbourside precinct where Sydney began. Climb Sydney Harbour Bridge and ride a ferry past the Opera House to Manly. Visit the museums and historic sites along Macquarie Street, then wander the lush Botanic Gardens. Take the ferry to Watsons Bay or enjoy the panorama on a harbour cruise. Learn to surf at Bondi Beach, swim in Coogee’s calm waters or head north to Palm Beach. Wine, dine and shop in inner-city precincts such as Darling Harbour, Paddington, Surry Hills, Potts Point, Glebe and Newtown. Past Sydney’s fringes, you can bush walk in the World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains and spend the night in a quaint mountain village. North of Sydney, discover the Hawkesbury River and surf beaches of the Central Coast. Visit the Hunter Valley wineries and swim with dolphins in Port Stephens. South of Sydney, camp in the Royal National Park or snorkel off the powder-white sand of Jervis Bay.

Week Two

Sydney – Melbourne

Condense the Sydney to Melbourne Coastal Drive into three days including a side trip to Canberra, our capital, or fly to maximise your time. Visit Federation Square, Melbourne’s landmark cultural space, and wander nearby Southbank. Explore the city’s laneways for alfresco dining, jazz and wine bars, cafes and boutiques. Take the tram to St Kilda for cake on Ackland St or a stroll on the promenade. Go shopping on bohemian Brunswick Street or chic Chapel Street. Walk through the Royal Botanic Gardens or catch an AFL game at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Day trip to Phillip Island to watch fairy penguins waddle home en masse. On the nearby Mornington Peninsula, you can swim with dolphins and visit a spa or winery. Drive the spectacular Great Ocean Road to the iconic Bells Beach, Otway National Park and the magnificent Twelve Apostles. Stay in scenic seaside towns such as Apollo Bay, Lorne and Port Fairy along the way.

Week 3

Melbourne – Red Centre

Fly from Melbourne to Alice Springs, the outback hub of Australia’s Red Centre. Browse Aboriginal art along Todd Mall and learn about the town’s pioneers in heritage sites. Bike ride to Simpsons Gap or ride a camel across the Simpson Desert. From Alice Springs, drive the Red Centre Way or join a tour across the outback. In the West MacDonnell Ranges, swim in Glen Helen Gorge and see Standley Chasm blaze in the midday sun. Wander the desert oasis of Palm Valley in Finke Gorge National Park. Trek to the rim of Kings Canyon and see the Lost City’s weathered domes in Watarrka National Park. See Uluru from camel back, helicopter or motorbike. Learn about its Dreamtime origins walking around the base with an Anangu guide. Take in the steep russet domes of nearby Kata Tjuta on the Valley of the Winds Walk. Then head back to Alice Springs for your return flight to Sydney.

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